Jason Kidd will eventually pass Bob Cousy on the NBA all-time assist list. That it could happen tonight in Boston, where Cousy achieved legendary status as a playmaker, makes the occasion even more special.

Kidd went into last night’s game against Chicago No. 13 on the all-time list with 6,938 assists, 17 shy of the “Houdini of the Hardwood,” who currently sits at No. 12.

Already this season, Kidd has been rewriting the record books when he passed Larry Bird, another legendary Celtic, to move into fourth place for career triple-doubles Jan. 8. Kidd now has 61 triple-doubles.

“Bob Cousy is one of the all-time greats, a Hall of Famer,” Lawrence Frank said. “I think Jason is headed in that direction as well. He’s real special. Jason is a great student of the game, really respects the game.

“It’s real special when you see the likes of legends like Bob Cousy and your name is right above him, I think it shows what kind of accomplishment that will be.”

Kidd’s altruistic play has rubbed off on his teammates, especially a noted shot-taker like Vince Carter, who has been passing more than normal.

“You look at Vince in terms of his assist total on this trip,” Frank said of Carter’s 35 assists in five games. “It’s contagious. Jason sets the tone for everything we do. It’s nice to see other guys continue to try to follow his lead.”

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The turned ankle Rodney Buford suffered at Utah is worse than originally expected. Buford tore ligaments in his left ankle and the Nets announced he’ll be out 4-6 weeks with the injury. No surgery is planned, according to the team.

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The Nets shored up their depleted numbers a bit yesterday when they signed forward Donnell Harvey to a 10-day contract. Harvey, a four-year veteran with stints in Dallas, Denver, Orlando and Phoenix on his resume, will wear No. 44.

“He’s had some opportunities in the league,” Frank said. “He’s always been a guy that we respected . . . he’s a tough, hard-nosed guy.”